There are so many great outdoor destinations to explore with family and friends here on the Kitsap Peninsula! When it comes to hiking, biking and paddling, the Kitsap Peninsula has miles and miles of trails from waterways to beaches to forests and hillsides. Families with little ones in strollers, tykes on bikes, and leashed up pets will love the non-motorized paved paths. And with 371 miles of shoreline, our National Water Trails has many places to paddle.

Paddle Kitsap is Saturday, August 14th. This spectacular one-day paddle starts at Fay Bainbridge Park with a shuttle to Poulsbo’s Waterfront Park where you begin your paddle back to Fay Bainbridge Park.

This 8-mile leg of the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails will sport a colorful parade of kayaks navigating an outgoing tide through Agate Pass and then onto Fay Bainbridge Park, a 17-acre marine camping park with 1,420 feet of shoreline in the northeast corner of Bainbridge Island. Register at Olympic Outdoor Center. It’s open to all ages. Included in the price of admission are professional guides, safety boaters, the shuttle and more!

On Saturday, August 28th, another fun boating armada gathers for the Paddle to Poulsbo hosted by the Port of Poulsbo. Register for this free event at the Port’s office, 18809 Front Street NE in Poulsbo. Registration is from 10am until noon. At noon, the paddling begins which gives you the opportunity to paddle by the Viking Ship. The after party begins at 4pm at Western Red Brewery, 19168 Jensen Way NE, Poulsbo.

Another great place to launch your kayak is the 61-acre Point No Point County Park. It has a beautiful sandy beach, scenic views of Admiralty Inlet where it meets up with Puget Sound, picnic areas, a trail through a remnant forest and best of all – an historic lighthouse which you can tour and vacation at! Lots of shorebirds to watch, bring your binoculars!

One of the best family friendly outdoor activity spots is the South Kitsap Regional Park with three ballfields, a skate park, horseshoe pits, picnic area, playground and hiking trails. The Forest Explorer Trail is a 1/3-mile, semi-loop made for short little legs. It features a series of learning stations to encourage budding trail users to explore the outdoors more. Forest Explorer Map

But wait! There’s even more family fun! A live steam scale railroad is maintained and run by Kitsap Live Steamers. You’ll hear the “All aboard!” on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, April thru October, with an occasional Sunday and holiday. Check out their calendar for days and times. Use the park’s entrance at 3101 SE Marbeth Lane in Port Orchard

In Seabeck on the Hood Canal, is Scenic Beach State Park where you’ll find over 80 camping sites, a picnic shelter with power, trails, horseshoe pits volleyball courts, scenic views of the canal and the Olympic Mountain range and access to about 1,500 feet of beachfront to walk.

ADA-compliant paths lead to a country garden, gazebo and mature trees. The Emel House, built in 1911, is a charming day-use facility ideal for weddings, reunions and other festive gatherings. A gazebo near the house is the ideal spot to take in the beautiful sunsets. To make reservations, go online here.

There are many other lodging options for your stay on the enticing Kitsap Peninsula. From scenic waterfront view suites to affordable, family and pet-friendly inns as well as guest houses, B&Bs, Airbnbs and cabins and campgrounds—you’ll find a wide variety of lodging accommodations that will meet your needs and budget.

Getting to the Kitsap Peninsula is scenic – just a short ferry ride from the Seattle area, and served by four WA State Ferry routes: Edmonds-Kingston, Seattle-Bremerton, Seattle-Bainbridge Island, and West Seattle-Vashon – Southworth.  Click Here for Schedules. Or take a scenic drive across the Tacoma Narrows or Hood Canal Bridge. In no time, you’ll find yourself launching your kayak, picnicking or romping with the kids and dogs up and down the beach.